Question

Compare and contrast the major arguments of the anti-Federalists and Federalists on ratification of the Constitution. Discuss how compromises were made on individual rights, representation in Congress, and slavery.

Answer 1

Major arguments on the Anti-federalists and Federalists on the ratification of the constitution:

Anti-federalists:

• They opposed the development of a strong federal government, preferring the power to say in hands of the state and local governments.
• Most of the people who supported this ideal lived in rural areas.
• They opposed the Constitution until the Bill of rights was added.
• Their representatives were: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams.
• They wished for local power (famers and small rural communities) to regulate the economy.
• They thought that each state should manage their own revenue and spend their money as they thought best.

Federalists

• Wanted a powerful national government.
• Most of the people who supported this ideal lived in urban areas.
• They proposed and supported the Constitution.
• Their representatives were: Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, John Jay and John Adams.
• They wanted the economy to be dominated by the interests of big business and wanted the help of the government to administer the economy.
• They were in favor of a central bank and central financial policies, because they thought that the differences in monetary policies led to economic issues.

The compromises made on:

• Human rights: The Bill of rights (first 10 amendments of the constitution) are about personal, individual rights and freedom. These were included mostly to satisfy Anti-federalists.
• Representation in congress: Equal representation in the senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives was established.
• Slavery: The 13th amendment was made about slavery. This amendment prohibited slavery and any forced servitude (except as a penalty of a crime).